Biodiversity
An introduction to biodiversity.
A simple explanation of what biodiversity is, how we make sense of it and its importance to us. Plus an introduction to the biodiversity of potatoes and tomatoes.
Strawmato
Quick description
A tomato specially bred for Marks and Spencer it has a strawberry shape and sweet taste
Appearance
By breeding pointy shaped tomatoes and selecting the most heart shaped a distinctive strawberry shape was achieved.
Eating/cooking
The strawmato has been bred with a sweeter taste than most tomatoes, which make it suitable for salads, eating on its own or even, it was claimed, eaten dipped in chocolate. It has a firm and juicy texture.
Nutritional details
Like all tomatoes the strawmato cultivar is high in fibre, contains vitamins A, C, E, K and B6, a variety of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and copper, and folic acid. It is also a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to cancer prevention.
Growing/Habitat
Grown as a cordon in heated greenhouses this plant produced an excellent yield of Midi plum sized fruit.
Disease/Pest resistance
The strawmato is resistant to most of the pests and diseases that cause growing problems in Northern Europe. Including the fungal infection Cladesporium and Tobacco Mosaic Virus (Tobacco is also in the same group of plants so TMV can be a major problem for tomato plants).
Stress tolerance
The Strawmato was bred to be grown in heated greenhouses in carefully controlled conditions. It has no particular stress resistance.
